U-DRAG: 2022 Subaru BRZ vs. 2022 Subaru WRX

Welcome to Edmunds’ U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races! In our latest U-Drag, we pit Subaru’s two sportiest models - the WRX and BRZ - against each other. Will the WRX’s extra horsepower be enough to offset its heavier weight against the BRZ? Find out with Edmunds’ Clint Simone, plus get a full breakdown of the numbers, in the video above!
Subaru BRZ pricing and review: edmu.in/43X72Ka
Subaru WRX pricing and review: edmu.in/3Na0XT9
00:00 Intro
01:16 The Numbers
02:05 Race 1 Prep
03:10 Race 1
04:46 Race 2 Prep
05:44 Race 2
07:02 Stats Recap
08:41 WRX In-Car Run
09:25 BRZ In-Car Run
10:14 Edmunds' Take
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[@edmundscars]

Keep it old-school or embrace modernity - which Subaru speaks to you? Let us know in the comments.

[@boost331]

Which is old and which is modern? Front engine RWD is classic pure sports car. Front engine AWD is classic subaru. Both are old in their own way. 🤣

[@justme307]

@@boost331 I think the intent was WRX (old school, turbo AWD since the 1990's) or BRZ (introduced in 2012).

[@joshbates6274]

Can you guys put people in the cars that actually know how to drive them tho? Like legit, stock v stock there are VERY few 4 cyl or even 6cyl that can beat a wrx if driven right, stop hitting the limiter and stop flat footing (wrx's are not built to run off of displacement, the stock map actually gives u more perf when slightly off full throttle and engine will drop revs to keep turbo at it's peak perf (aka keeping the torque/hp curve at peak not dropping off) which makes a HUGE difference specially in these situations)

[@joshbates6274]

@@justme307 BRZ is like the runt baby from a wrx and a supra tbh.

[@boost331]

@@joshbates6274 So what you are saying is that the WRX is a piece of shit. It has to be operated by a NASA rocket engineer in a very specific sequence in order to win a race ever. Come on fangirls. Put your big girl panties on and just take the L. The wrx is not and has never been a "fast" car. It sits high on a pedestal for NO REASON at all. They are slow, heavy, unreliable and now ugly as well. Any car that requires 2 launch keys, presidential codes, the alignment of all the satellites and the moon to be in a certain phase to get the job done is shit.

[@DTEL77]

Having lost to plenty of GR86/BRZ at the autocross, I feel qualified to say that it is am amazing chassis that punches well above its weight.

[@Ar1zonaGreenTea]

kicks even more ass after some coilovers!

[@growingup4487]

@@Ar1zonaGreenTea wouldn't do it for the street

[@jjchockey]

@@growingup4487 why? A good set of coilovers will ride and handle way better than stock. 949 racing Xida’s are one of the top options on the market. They were engineered specifically for the chassis. Get some cheapo $1000 Teins like most people that don’t know about suspenion and ya it would be great on the street. You get what you pay for.

[@brother_maleik]

@@jjchockey what he said

[@bradleyisfishing]

Recently lost to one as well, except it was on RE-71 R’s, full suspension, and a K swap.

[@reesee175]

What did we learn today? A driver-mod goes a long way.

[@ALMX5DP]

Both races were very close with both drivers getting a win each..

[@reesee175]

@ALMX5DP , Kurt is a better driver when it comes to U Drags.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@reesee175 well this video showed only a tenth difference in the overall time between them. Both pedaled the BRZ to a 39.7, and Kurt was only a tenth faster in the WRX.

[@smc1377]

@@reesee175 Nah, he's braking way too early in both cars. In both races, Kurt has the lead but by the end of the braking zone, the other car has caught up cause he's braking too early! You can really see this in the in-car camera angle.

[@davidl6354]

@@ALMX5DP 8:47 thats the worst shifting ive ever seen. seems like super early shifting based on how clunky it looks. and on 9:50 he was always shifting till last second.

[@jakegreenberg9357]

Keep doing more U-drags. This is good content.

[@edmundscars]

More to come!

[@behindthebuild8016]

Wish they did them weekly!

[@enekoprins]

I totally expected the WRX to beat the BRZ. Even in the new Gen, people still say the Toyobaru twins are too slow. Looks fast enough to me.

[@skittlesgarage]

Didn’t expect the BRZ to win. Great launch from the BRZ on race 1. Seeing that the script flipped in race 2, it’s obvious one of these is a superior driver to the other.

[@nickzarnetske9994]

That's my biggest problem with the series so far. Love the idea of this but man they need to find equal drivers...

[@henryovalles1163]

Yes but it doesn’t matter the faster car is the faster car BRZ few years ago this wouldn’t be a race Subaru wrx is just a commuter car these days

[@boost331]

​@@nickzarnetske9994That is why they switch lanes and drivers. Each driver drives both cars. Even when the wrx had a fast (although violent) launch and pulled ahead the BRZ still chased it down. The BRZ was actually pulling away in the straights. Best part is the BRZ won't need a trans or clutch replacement either. It can do that all day. Wrx..... Not so much.

[@turlubambabou]

Sorry but in what world can a Brz go faster than a Wrx on the start??? Need a driver mod...

[@boost331]

@@turlubambabou In the world where you try not to explode the transmission. Light weight RWD can get off the line just as well as AWD.

[@StgVirus1]

That BRZ did better than I expected. Nice test setup to show these cars potential.

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

600 lbs heavier, it went just as I 'd expect honestly.

[@brentlanyon4654]

@@Blas4ublasphemy I thought the AWD launch and the much fatter torque band of the WRX would have given the WRX a slight edge in times.

[@Traumatree]

They didn't know how to launch and do the u-turn in an AWD car and it showed a lot. No BRZ would ever pass me on this U-Drag I can guaranty it!

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

@@Traumatree How many new BRZ's have you raced?

[@Rob165x]

@@Traumatree The BRZ has better gearing, especially for it's weight. I have one, and it's very torque-y. It feels like the new engine was better suited for the BRZ, throwing the turbo on the WRX seemed like an afterthought as it's tuned on the safe side. Maybe they didn't upgrade the rest of the vehicle enough to make use of it because it would probably need a stronger AWD driveshaft and cooling which would up the cost. I mean shit, maybe they weren't confident in the engine having a bigger bore with higher compression and not blowing, boxer engines don't seem to handle oil flow as well as inlines. Like come on, the Type R is still a 2.0 and it does 30-40 more hp.

[@MLHunt]

I love this concept. Tells you so much about a car's performance in so little time. And such a simple idea! Surprised no one came up with it sooner. But credit to you guys for thinking it up. This is a very interesting matchup of two fairly different cars that are nonetheless similar enough that people might be cross-shopping them.

[@edmundscars]

Glad you liked it!

[@2arias2]

Looks like you never saw 2 fast 2 furious huh

[@MLHunt]

@@2arias2 Nope. Sadly and to my detriment I'm sure. Is that where you think they got the idea?

[@ngerard556]

I'm definitely cross shopping the 2 right now...tie breaker for me might be the WRX has 5 seats and I got a wife and 3 kids LOL

[@saltyfloridaman7163]

​@edmundscars can you try to setup a lane to make the cornering section more consistent? It looks like it's pretty much whoever stops the best and makes the tightest turn, but a lane making things consistent could really stress the mechanical and aero grip a car has

[@jmmch3358]

I was very surprised with the results, I thought that the WRX' Turbo & AWD would easily beat the BRZ. But the great handling and lightweight of the BRZ made all the difference. Amazing!

[@Chris-Someguy]

Weight

[@DaBrute]

Kurt is clearly the better drag racer here. He launched the crap outta both cars and nailed every shift

[@Traumatree]

But he didn't know how to rotate that AWD and keep its lead. No WRX loses to a BRZ - that's only here.

[@TheFunGun5]

​@Traumatree The math doesn't agree with you. The only metrics it has over the BRZ are Awd and torque. They dyno similar HP figures while the BRZ is 400 pounds lighter. Definitely driver mod dependent.

[@Traumatree]

@@TheFunGun5 The maths are good. The drivers aren't. Kurt knew how to launch the WRX as it smoked the BRZ from the ditch. And they don't dyno similar hp/torque figures. What the BRZ has at the crank, the WRX has it at the wheel. I can tell you that in my 2006 WRX with the same HP as the BRZ but less torque than current WRX, it wouldn't even be fair for that RWD lol

[@TheFunGun5]

@Traumatree You should really educate yourself, the current gen twins dyno at around 215. Besides being wrong about that, you literally just agreed with me while acting like I'm wrong, do better. Or don't, maybe you're a masochist who likes being proven wrong on the internet lol.

[@Traumatree]

@@TheFunGun5 215 at the WHEEL... what the BRZ do at the CRANK. Budy, I was racing while you still sucking your thumb and pokemons were your universe. Don't tell me to educate when it is obvious you have no clue what you are talking about.

[@yfarmeaahka]

The BRZ in a straight line really surprised me, almost seemed slightly faster. Would love to see this again with both of them tuned

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

It definitely is. That was a pretty dusty track too. Stickier tires on a cleaner street. It would be nothing but taillights.

[@derrin4]

I just bought a BRZ. I test drove both cars quite a few times. They are both great. I decided on the BRZ in the end. It is more nimble, exciting, faster than you think through the gears, and it handles like it is on rails. It was a hard decision, but I felt the right one.

[@Madman6505]

Are you daily driving it? I test drove a pemium gr86 automatic yesterday (no manuals on the lot). I thought the suspension was fine for daily driving. Noise out of the Michelin tires was high on some road surfaces but tolerable for the type of vehicle. When I buy one in manual, I'll probably find quieter tires once I wear out the stock Michelins.

[@digitalsmithy]

@@Madman6505 that's my plan

[@danishow3748]

That's the first time i watch a video from this chanal, and honestly, i loved the way you guys tested the car, making a break test, corner test, reacelerate, it all in a single teste. Congratulations

[@alexhuang1778]

Redline plays some role here for sure. 22 WRX only has 6.1k redline which is very low compares to modern “sport” car.

[@jean-pierrelutsheto6386]

I love these U-drag races videos. They are fun to watch and give so much info at the same time. Keep them coming.

[@erikwoodruff5643]

I'll be honest I was expecting the WRX to take the wins easy with its AWD and higher horsepower. Guess this emphasizes how much curb weight can make a difference regardless of drivetrain or HP

[@R1val909]

I believe u lose some power to the wheel due to the AWD as well

[@farve23]

Love the brz.. glad to see theres still sports cars under 3000lb at this price point that not a miata with real healthy hp numbers thats naturally aspirated.. beautiful car and great upgrade to the previous model.. impressive

[@seanmabey1609]

Great videos. I always wanted to see these two side by side.

[@brucebolduc3403]

Great video and concept to include acceleration braking and some handling. Also amazing how much the brz improved

[@solocamo3654]

Weight and AWD drivetrain loss killed the WRX here on the roll, though I must say the BRZ did way better than I expected in a straight line.

[@BrandoDrum]

The WRX is far less powerful than advertised. Subaru started de-tuning their engines way back in like 2007 and has never stopped. Peak HP is essentially a trick, you can (and Subaru has) limited boost and power at nearly every RPM range and throttle input except the small sliver of conditions needed to keep the advertised HP rating the same. Subaru basically wants to kill off their Turbo cars and in reality, they have by every means except having something resembling a turbo bolted to some of their cars so they can sell them for more money.

[@billshoe22191]

What an awesome race! Love that the BRZ won. Everything is more fun with manuals.

[@srtv8or109]

Excellent race very impressive keep up the good work With your contents

[@Android.Paranormal]

Whoa… the BRZ pulls harder than the WRX. Totally shocked. 600 lbs is a huge difference!

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

WRX is now a tomato can, everyone uses a comparison against the WRX to show how great the other car is...

[@thullraven1]

It's why my old 2014 V6 Mustang used to always beat the Challenger RTs it raced. That 600 lbs extra weight really holds a car back.

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

@@thullraven1 LOL at those boats!

[@justinandrusevich6977]

Yeah I've got a 2009 wrx and the 0-60 is like 4.9 compared to the 2023s 5.5

[@TheBloodyRavage]

​@@justinandrusevich6977 Just a tune on that new 2.4t and mine is now at 350whp/380 Wtq for a grand total of 1000$ i mean no other wrx are able to get power this easy and this cheap they really under tuned this car from factory..

[@TheFunkyair]

Keep these best races flowing

[@Bones12x2]

This is a great comp as well because it's literally the same engine in two different configurations. Light NA vs heavy turbo.

[@jayczyzyk7607]

Excellent review

[@EtMeBuddy]

seen thousands of race and comparison videos and this u drag is the best one i've seen for actually comparing cars that drive on the road (instead of track nonsense). great stuff!

[@TomVangTV]

As a previous 2018 Wrx owner and now a 2023 brz owner, I enjoyed watching this. Everyone from the VA community considered me getting a brz a downgrade. It is in terms of practicality but more upgrade as a fun sports car. The Wrx had decent potential but the new one doesn’t look as good as I would like it to. Hoping subaru will disregard killing of the Sti and bring it back. The Wrx was a great experience but I hated the shift feel.

[@Barbwire710]

I went from a 6 speed M240i RWD to a 23 BRZ. Everything but the lower torque is better in the BRZ for me.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

@@Barbwire710 for you… for you 😅

[@Barbwire710]

@@LafemmebearMusic just depends. Do you like numb steering, a vauge 6 speed, and tons of sound insulation? The BMW is great. I will definitely get another bmw/luxury car to go alongside the BRZ eventually, but only an automatic. BMW doesn’t put any passion into their manuals.

[@K03sport]

I like my 2019 WRX, but initially showed up at the dealer w/my eyes set on the (19) BRZ...the BRZ is not a downgrade because the only two things the WRX has over the BRZ was more hp/tq/turbo/AWD and 4-doors to a larger backseat; everything else goes to the BRZ....

[@carlmanu]

I always thought the BRZ could take the WRX on this test but I think it could have been better had Kurt not messed the braking or Reese messed the launch.

[@dowroa]

The new BRZ can take the STi as well in tests like this.

[@BDA0531]

​@@dowroa Not a chance. The brakes on the new VBs are incredibly piss poor in comparison to the STI. Not to mention it has less hp

[@user-re8nw4ph5y]

​@@dowroasmh...

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

@@BDA0531haha, on a real track the brz would beat an sti. Stis are terrible track cars and heat soak on the first lap. 😂 coming from experience.

[@BDA0531]

@@Youcallthesebagels_ yeah like that 86 that blew up on a warm up lap? It would surely beat the STI in that aspect lol. But all jokes aside yeah it probably would depending on the course

[@abhishhk.]

Awesome concept 💯

[@stephen3164]

I bought a new ‘13 BRZ while I still owned my ‘03 tuned WRX. Very different to these cars. The BRZ was noticeably slower to accelerate while my 280hp WRX was fast on boost. That said, I nearly wrecked my WRX after driving the BRZ for a while. I got back in my WRX and did my daily commute, and seriously overcooked it on the highway offramp. I had been taking that ramp in the BRZ at that speed with no issues, but my WRX cornered very differently. The BRZ was an absolute thrill when the roads got curvy - and your driving position was super low, and perfectly positioned relative to the center of inertia. Looks like I should check out the new BRZ, though the new Nissan Z might be too tempting.

[@Bones12x2]

BRZ/86's launch absurdly well. It's ironically faster off the line because of the relatively low power. It has the perfect recipe of weight, grip, and power to get off the line for a car that isn't good for drag racing.

[@jamesmedina2062]

Fun test guys!!!

[@yupyup4209]

Love these races!

[@thegreeneyej]

Love U Drags! More please!

[@dougrodriguez4977]

Awesome race and results. Makes me dream of a supercharged brz

[@timmiller5990]

The new WRX loses to a Outback wilderness in the quarter. This is no surprise.

[@thinkingmushrooms2943]

U drags are the best. Keep doing more, please.

[@biggranny000]

It makes sense, there's a lot of drivetrain loss with a AWD system, i love my WRX because it's a good "do it all" daily that's fairly quick and fun to drive.

[@davidgoliath5901]

Guys really great !... point to point in the mountains the 2.4 BRZ simply excels... love it! Champaign performance at a beer price :)

[@silasTL]

i’ve been waiting for this

[@WRXMAN-ms2mm]

Good Race Idea 228 BHP 184 Ft lbs 2829 lbs 12.41 lbs/ BHP* 271 BHP 258 Ft lbs 3400 lbs 12.54 lbs/ BHP * * (Driveline losses also likely greater in AWD WRX meaning less WHP) Not surprised they are close. Weight and coefficient of drag Cd plus center of gravity on turn around key too. Brakes are likely a wash. Food for thought: Now do this race same on snow, and …….. the WRX will shine. Put a turbocharger on the BRZ and the gap will widen. But WRX sales would tank.

[@richardhoulton4016]

Most 86/BRZs are showing around 235-240hp when dynoed.

[@jjchockey]

These new BRZs are underrated from the factory. Most people are getting about 205-215WHP which is closer to 240-250HP.

[@Inv1ncbleBears]

what the WRX really has going for it is in a tune and simple mod. Put a new intake on it, tune with 93 is making an easy 300whp,350wtq. Do the same again but on E30 gas and you're looking at 350whp/390wtq. These cars are regularly hitting 400s with very few mods which is completely bonkers.

[@arrivendrive6831]

I really cant say how much i love the uturn race. It really shows the total balance of performance on both cars. The wrx could be much faster if both were to do bolt ons and run the same race. Stock vs stock, i was really impressed with the BRZ

[@claudiadavies5110]

Absolutely love these videos, love the BRZ too😊

[@peterpulhac5142]

Nice video

[@Eric-steele]

Wow that was a major eye opener I was just about to trade my gen 1 brz for a wrx. Having secured thoughts now

[@justme307]

It's amazing to me that 20 years later the US-based 2002 WRX runs a 1/4-mile in the same time a 2023 WRX does. Says a lot how the WRX has stagnated over the last two decades. To me, it went from ultra cool in 2002 (mid-14's was very good for a 4-cylinder) to pedestrian in 2023 (get spanked by an Accord 2.0t Touring).

[@rawevoli]

Accord is slower in the 1/4 mile and makes less hp while costing more money and is FWD. Also what car for less than 30k comes with AWD, manual transmission, and over 270hp. None. So why should subaru give you more hp when nobody else has even matched them? The wrx has and always will be about cheap thrills. If they made the car any faster, it would cost more money. Not to mention the stock turbo is good for well over 400hp with minimal mods. Funny too because if you had actually driven a 2002 and a 2022 you would be mind blown by how much better the car is in every possible way 😂

[@justme307]

@@rawevoli I didn't mean to hurt Subie Nation's feelings with my comment. Just wanted to point out that in acceleration that nothing has changed in the last two decades, 0-60 is still 5.8-6.0 seconds and 1/4-mile is still low- to mid-14's. Sure it stops better now and handles better now and has better A/C now, but really, what hasn't improved in the last two decades? I tried to post a KZbin link to a Throttle House 4-way car comparison but it would not take, it's titled "Mustang EcoBoost vs Subaru WRX vs Volkswagen GLI vs Honda Accord // DRAG & ROLL RACE"

[@jp23x]

I was a huge fan of the WRX/sti/Evo in the 2000s, but the car never evolved in any way.

[@fish41101]

Subaru has become complacent. I don't think I can name a single car in production today that is as fast as it was 20 years ago. Absolutely embarrassing that Subaru's "performance" car is being smoked by a accord.

[@rawevoli]

@Remington what accord? Look up the times bro it ain't smoking it lmao. Also fwd and way less potential.

[@gjones9842]

Love the u drag

[@jm-alan]

It's absurd how much ground the BRZ made up braking in the 2nd run, that weight difference came in hard

[@orlandogomez2627]

You guys are great. Thank you 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🏽

[@ghostspeedskitzo]

Since you all had to redo the course are you going to redo the old races? Like with the Elantra N?

[@SaveTheManuals1]

This series is still such a good idea! If you don't need 4 doors, BRZ is the obvious answer here.

[@blindsay]

For me I went with the WRX not because of 4 doors but because I have to deal with a ton of snow (and sometimes mud) where I live.

[@SaveTheManuals1]

@@blindsay That's fair. BRZ is the obvious choice for me, YMMV.

[@514aam]

​@@SaveTheManuals1 obvious if you dont plan on tuning at all... A OTS stage 1 map WRX for 600 bucks, no mods at all Will walk that BRZ

[@returnedtoform]

gotta love the wrx. Slower than it was 20 years ago.

[@rawevoli]

That doesn't mean anything when people are making real power with them finally 😂

[@Inv1ncbleBears]

what the WRX really has going for it is in a tune and simple mod. Put a new intake on it, tune with 93 is making an easy 300whp,350wtq. Do the same again but on E30 gas and you're looking at 350whp/390wtq. These cars are regularly hitting 400s with very few mods which is completely bonkers.

[@denalidriven1574]

Didn’t expect this wow.

[@lordraiden5398]

I have a 2002 WRX. It ran a 14.3 second quarter at Milan dragway back in the summer of 2003 bone stock. I guess I am right to never have sold it and bought a new one.

[@mddah01]

Back in the mid 1990s I had a red WRX that on a cool morning could reach 60 mph in exactly 5 seconds. From memory it weighed around 1250 Kg. The model tested here looks to be slow in comparison. Is the difference all due to the higher weight of the current version?

[@ubernoob103]

Yep.

[@chrisblackmon9530]

wow the wrx has changed so much, my bone stock 09 was a 13.2 to 13.3 1/4 car but those subies where plagued by there own sets of problems back than. Hope these new ones are why more reliable.

[@AntChiulli-Chiulli_RS]

no way the brz makes more g force in turns then a awd WRX

[@Dulanor]

................

[@rwilson3896]

Funny how during the 2nd race the WRX pulled the same G’s when cornering. The drivers are not the greatest!

[@DaveB038]

Lightness and rwd wins. Classic formula.

[@plymcousa3002]

I own a GR86 and I love it. I also owned 03&05 wrx when new. Love the old bug eye cars

[@GearHeads09]

This shows how much the WRX is slooooooow. Kept saying I give them the hardest time and no one wanted to believe 😂😂😂

[@pbourdon231]

This is the old expression: "Give a car more power, and you'll make it faster in a straight line. Make a car lighter and you'll make it faster everywhere." in real life. Weight is everything. It's just too damn bad everyone is obsessed with horsepower these days. Bring back the lightweight sports car....

[@TimothyStovall108]

As a 8 year BRZ owner, I'm kind of bias to which I prefer. To be honest, I was not expecting the BRZ to hang, much less actually pull away from the WRX on the straits. They have certainly made the improvements.

[@0Camus0]

I did not expect the BRZ doing this well! Stock vs Stock is a good reference. Some notes, the WRX had the Limited trim which ia even heavier than the Base or the Premium. Now, in terms of tuning, BRZ is kind of maxed out, not much can be done to increase power or remove more weight. The WRX on the other hand can push 300 whp with just a tune and 400 whp FBO with Ethanol (E50).

[@armandocardona6975]

yeah but do you really want to void your warranty on a subaru product… everyone always says this and that tune but warranty is a real pain to have denied

[@0Camus0]

@@armandocardona6975 yeah. Pay to play. My WRX is 2500 miles and it's FBO :) what's the fun in playing it safe. Besides, this engine has proven to be way batter than the FA20 and the EJ.

[@KO-iw3vu]

@@0Camus0good to hear, I sold my 2017 wrx after a year because the tuning capabilities are trash. Everything felt under built after I started tuning it

[@0Camus0]

@@KO-iw3vu Well, it doesn't feel like that at all, the FA24 is proving to be the best Subaru engine ever made, and they share this engine with other cars, so it'a built to last. With large turbo is pushing 530 whp. Let'a see how much it can take before blowing up. My guess is that it will blow past 600 whp

[@KO-iw3vu]

@@0Camus0 I wasn’t being sarcastic when I said I’m glad to hear that. It’s a good point you brought up with sharing the engine, leaves potential for it to be overbuilt, which I felt like the generation I had was the opposite of overbuilt.

[@ProjectAjax]

Can't click the link fast enough!!! Let's go!! WRX might eek this one out.

[@mct6902]

not sure if the FA24 wrx still has the issue the FA20 had with factory tune when the rpm hits 5k, there is a noticeable power drop. It was like 2.5k the turbo kicks in hard, then gone at 5k.

[@craigloomis20]

I picked up a 2020 wrx not sure how the previous gen. compared to the newest one in terms of speed but even though I knew it wasn't a fast car losing to a brz is a bummer.

[@phu5005]

I’ll gladly lose to anything so long as I’m driving a MT.

[@whitenoise6252]

The previous gen is faster than the new ones stock.

[@reesee175]

Wrx: Weight - 3298 FD - 4.11 Redline - 6200 Brz: Weight - 2835 Fd - 4.10 Redline - 7500 Seems like the right outcome. WRX is for straight line performance and off-road, while the brz is a road course vehicle.

[@WynterK]

Damn, stock WRX is sloooooooow.

[@anadiri964]

This was cool

[@mikehansen3691]

I own WRX 2017 and when replaced cobb perins etc becomes a beast after pro tune

[@2cars10]

Honestly a little surprised the brz had more top end. I'm pretty happy with this result though.

[@TassieLorenzo]

The WRX basically has the Ascent SUV engine with little modification AFAIK. There's no bigger turbo to move the powerband higher or anything like that, hence the low 6100rpm redline.

[@robertwatts9800]

I know there not made anymore but I'm curious to see how a mazdaspeed3 would do against a new wrx.

[@kbordenave]

So this is what has become of the WRX, it’s now getting walked by a BRZ 😢. At least the second driver got the dig right!

[@davidpaulin]

well the brz almost puts down the advertised crank horsepower numbers at the wheels ...

[@TassieLorenzo]

Look at the other way, the 2.4L BRZ is decently zippy in a way the 2.0L one was not. The 2.4L is quite a big improvement while not having the trade-off of a lower redline, since the displacement increase was done via the bore.

[@TheJabrother]

I've owned both of these cars! I owned a 2022 WRX last year and this year a 2023 BRZ. The BRZ actually rides better, is smoother, but the WRX has an easier clutch and accelerator modulation.

[@ianlerma8110]

Wow I’m actually really impressed with brz. I’ve ever only gotten to race one wrx and it was a previous gen. I pulled past him in our 20 roll but he started pulling at over 100. Was really close and was honestly super surprised that the result is almost the same with the new WRX

[@BrandoDrum]

The bigger story is how much Subaru has killed the WRX over the years. It's gotten more bloated, softer, and less powerful thanks to using every engine mapping trick to limit power except at a small sliver of the engine's range to protect against mechanical failure and emissions penalties. It's just lazy engineering and trickery instead of building a better engine, they just pull a VW dieselgate-like trick to keep rated power the same for testing conditions while actually making less actual power than the first USDM WRX did back in 2001. Frankly I'm surprised there hasn't been a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@BrandoDrumthe newest Gen WRX makes numbers that are equal to what they claim stock. The BRZ has tighter gear ratios and a rev happy engine, it’s going to be quick off the line and from a slower speed roll. Boost is hard to beat on the top end though lol

[@BrandoDrum]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 it's the power under the curve that I'm talking about. As a wrx owner for the last 17 years I can attest to this strategy. Max power is as advertised, but at the same time they are doing stuff like making 80% throttle at the pedal register as 60% throttle through most of the rev range. 100% throttle is 80% until you're at 5500 rpm and that's only once you're in 2nd gear. All sorts of stuff on modern cars in general but the wrx is pretty hardcore neutered. The WRX was always a popular choice because turbo AWD was a huge advantage in off the line acceleration. A BRZ should be slower period.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@BrandoDrum you seen the power curves on the new WRX? They’re pretty good. It’s quicker then any gen STi in a roll race, smoked a ‘21 pretty steadily. With a tune the fa24dit is a beast 325 whp with nothing but an intake. FBO will be easy 360-370 on 93 octane. A local shop posted a dyno of a ‘22 WRX with a charge pipe, j pipe, and intake put down 340 whp and 360 wtq on 93. For an STi to do that you’ll need a bigger turbo, or ethanol…

[@shinn43]

@@BrandoDrum New WRX fix this issue and the torque/power in the low - mid range. Also 600 LB is a huge difference in weight, they did the BRZ justice and kept WRX a WRX on paper.

[@bliglum]

Just watch out for those hard right hand corners on the BRZ/GR86! Knowing what we now know about how the oil pressure drops MASSIVELY with hard right corners on the new 2.4 boxer..

[@StephenDavidson5359]

Everyone knows the WRX can not reach its full performance potential unless the driver is vaping, and has at least one parent on the title. I’m not even going to start on the complete lack childish bumper stickers. Furthermore, neither vehicle displaying the drivers Instagram handle means the engines couldn’t have been making full power. Seriously though it was fun watching the ok looking Subaru hand its ugly sibling their butt. Now the real race begins, which one has a major mechanical failure first? Seriously though the U drags series is awesome, keep them coming.

[@juancrane6503]

What elevarion was this shot at?

[@SuchFinessse]

I knew how this was gonna go. I saw a BRZ take a stage 1 STI up to 100mph several times. Much lighter, and higher redline that you can stay in.

[@Emilthehun]

A stage 1 sti? That's well over 300hp.

[@BenTroxell]

@@Emilthehun”well over” - lmao no. A stage 1 STI is making 300whp at MOST.

[@Emilthehun]

@@BenTroxell that would be strange. " The 2.4-liter Flat 4 engine in the 2022 Subaru WRX STI Sedan generates 310 hp @ 6000 rpm and 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm of torque." Now granted I am not a subaru guy , it is safe to assume that a stage 1 upgrade would make more power then stock. And that would put it "well over" 300. Obviously I was referencing crank rated hp. Not wheel hp.

[@Jez4prez1]

nah even older gen STI's have higher redline than the current BRZ tho. It all depends on variant of STI. Also those youtube vids of the BRZ keeping up with the VA STI was just the VA STI driving like a noob.

[@SuchFinessse]

@@Jez4prez1 I’m talking about this last gen sti. It did not have a higher redline than the brz

[@jonlaye2537]

Loved my WRX ten years ago. Time for s real update

[@daviddatcrazydude9744]

Can you do a Mazda 6 Turbo?

[@bruceobrown534]

Hi ya Edmunds Cars - How about a U-Drag with the 2024 BRZ tS and the 2024 WRX TR or GT ? I would love to see that comparison!!!

[@aaronbryan5095]

So many people seem to look down on the 2nd gen BRZ/GR86 just because their engines aren't turbocharged, absolutely downplaying the performance of this new 2.4L naturally aspirated boxer 4.

[@hothatchpa]

I can not tell you much this made me day. Fantastic matchup

[@aquaboy1650]

BRZ is real fun sport car! no need to turbo to beat the WRX

[@1Solace]

Damn how is the BRZ pulling on it

[@gs98999]

Had a better power to weight ratio.

[@mofomoco]

I had a 2017 WRX and it was sort of fun but not fast. Quick off the line but no top end.

[@brianreardon7700]

We all make a big deal out of how hp a car has.. but just as important is how much a car weighs … light means tight!

[@PhillyDee215]

Nice comparison....

[@edmundscars]

Glad you liked it

[@chinguililla]

The guy driving the wrx in the first round had a horrendous launch and shifting oml. Reminds me of me and my friends who just started learning manual dogging their dads sports cars in highschool

[@14bqdonk]

Swapping driver is the most fair comparision, thank you! I just can't get it why many car comparison reviewers never try swap driver for years. They think they are identical human being?

[@stephbarbershop2518]

please put the onboard speedo in MPH.

[@darylcunanan8972]

is it 1/8 or 1/4 mile?

[@richardwilliams6256]

Not much margin in WRX for Subaru so i somewhat understand why they dont spend more in R&D and develop a better powerplant. New WRX is nice for average person driving around but its not appealing to previous WRX owners

[@ethanhayter1526]

Yo I definitely wanna pull my 2017 si and try this out. It's stock becides a muffler delete. I've beaten a wrx on a roll and shitty tires but I got pilot sports now

[@hummel99ps3]

I'm not too sure of this when you mentioned before you guys switch drivers but you never allow each driver in both Lanes I think that's a part of the science

[@maddog_majima9553]

So much for the WRX right? How far has it fallen

[@tear728]

The new fa24 motor in the WRX is reliably putting down 400whp with just an intake and an e85 tune without a problem lol people are hitting low 4s in 0-60 and low 12 quarter miles with just $1500 in mods. Old fa20 motor would have blown into bits at 400whp and it would cost about 6k to even get there somewhat reliably. These guys also suck at driving

[@trevorbrown7224]

I can't tell if Subaru dropped the ball with the new VB, or if the new BRZ is that much better

[@jimmypena2442]

Its a sedan. Still impressive.

[@trevorbrown7224]

@@jimmypena2442 it's a turbocharged, AWD Subaru vs a same-priced, naturally aspirated, RWD Toyota. It's still embarrassing.

[@boost331]

​@@tear728That trans though. Its been junk for 10 years and is still junk. The only way to get that big boat off the line is to violently launch the hell out if it. You will toast a clutch. After a clutch upgrade you will blow a trans. Its not a sports car. Its an Outback that they turned into a sedan. The BRZ is a sports car built from scratch with the intention of being a sports car.

[@Zcypot]

I wonder how the new turbos are. Old ones would fall off at top end pretty bad. you can lose a good 25hp at redline

[@pompano_jedi172]

That wrx has been an utter disappointment since its release. And I waited for years to upgrade my prev gen wrx hoping for an STi. Leaning towards getting an FL5 now